Four vie for Hunterdon sheriff's job

HUNTERDON COUNTY -- Four Republican candidates formally filed petitions to run for Hunterdon County sheriff this week, setting the stage for a competitive campaign to replace embattled Deborah Trout, who is not seeking re-election.

Retired Raritan Police Chief Fred Brown, Undersheriff George Muller, retired Readington Police Chief James Paganessi and Sheriff Lt. Ralph Scott will face off against one another in the June 8 Republican primary. With no Democratic challengers, the victor of the four-way race will likely have a clear path to election in the fall.

The extremely competitive race took shape as Trout became increasingly unpopular in the county. The one-term sheriff has drawn the ire of freeholders for threatening to cut hours at the courthouse, had two of her investigators resign over charges that they lied on their resumes and had a substantial but unsuccessful recall effort mounted against her.

Elsewhere in the county, Republican Freeholders William Mennen and George Melick are seeking re-election and will vie for two open freeholder seats alongside former Lebanon Borough Councilman and current Flemington Police Cpl. Christopher Foley.

Republican Freeholder Robert Walton, who is running for re-election for a 1-year unexpired term, will not face a primary challenge, but will likely face Democrat Sam Thompson this fall in the general election.